AVANTASIA mastermind Tobia Sammet (EDGUY) has issued a special Christmas update for the fans:

“Hey friends, as you know I am currently working on a new Avantasia album. It’s a lot of work, but I am so proud of what we are creating right now – it’s amazing stuff. As my little Christmas gift to, and to make Christmas even a little more exciting for you, I’ll reveal some secrets today: Of course, Michael Kiske (UNISONIC, ex-HELLOWEEN) is on board again! I bet you expected this, you can hear him loud and clear, and he is still the number one vocalist in that range – unbelievable! But, what is really new: For the first time in the history of Avantasia, we’re working with a real symphonic orchestra: The German Film Orchestra Babelsberg! You may remember it, they have worked with RAMMSTEIN, BRYAN ADAMS, SHANIA TWAIN, and also with Edguy on the Hellfire Club album. It’s an enchanting fairytale we are working on, so we really have no choice but to finally have a real orchestra – after all it’s an epic Rock-, or probably Metal Opera! Okay, I don‘t wanna talk much, but wish you a Happy Christmas. If you click on the clip below, you can check out the orchestra recordings and also, you’ll hear a little sample, a rough mix of what’s to come in March 2013: The Mystery Of Time!